Maker Faire celebrates second year of craft-making, innovation in Dearborn this weekend

Maker Faire, the annual gathering of craft-makers, inventors and designers, returns to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn on Saturday and Sunday.

It's the second year for the event, which started in San Mateo, Calif., in 2006 and spread with local versions across the country.

"Last year, we were interested in Detroit and the whole story, and the next generation of making," Maker-in-Chief (best job title ever) Sherry Huss told MLive. "Detroit has a pretty strong engineering heritage. It really was a great opportunity to start showcasing what a lot of the Detroit makers are working and celebrate their successes."

Last year, there were around 300 makers participating. This year, about 350 are expected. Everything from puppetry to robotics to sewing to basketweaving to metal art will be on display. Players from Detroit's Theatre Bizarre will also be on hand -- "the first time not on their own property," Huss said.

"It's definitely growing," Huss said about the DIY movement. "I think the economy has fueled it for makers that don't have a job, or they're involved in teaching and getting involved in making.

"Yesterday we were at Mt. Elliott Making Space in Detroit. We're finding a whole new generation of folks, kids and community coming together because schools aren't teaching them. This interest in making is growing and becoming more inclusive. We went ot Eastern Market, and there was a fourth grader who taught people how to sauter. It's such great things to see," Huss added.

Maker Faire promises to be a worthwhile event for all ages. "The interesting thing about Maker Faire is we touch families, we touch people who may not be employed, we touch people with a passion for making," Huss said.